The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered Commissioners of Police in Oyo, Federal Capital Territory and Anambra State to probe the deaths of scores from stampedes while struggling to get handouts.
It first happened last Wednesday in Ibadan at Islamic High School at Basorun area where Silekunola Ogunwusi, ex-wife of Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi was billed to gift cash handouts and food items to children with 35 minors stampeded to death in the crowd crush.
The same repeated itself on Saturday in Okija, Anambra State at a similar event that led to the deaths of 29 persons while similar charity event organised by a Parish of Catholic church in Abuja resulted in the deaths of ten others.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IG had ordered the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the deaths for possible legal actions.
He said, “The IG emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.
“In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.
“The IGP has ordered commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, sympathises with the bereaved families and wishes those injured a quick recovery.”
He stated that the organisers of this charity are liable for criminal offences, citing relevant provisions in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes.
